How should an employer manage the electrical safety program?

The approach to managing an electrical safety program must include a risk assessment procedure because this is a foundational element of safety compliance as outlined by NFPA 70E. A risk assessment involves identifying hazards associated with electrical work, evaluating the risks related to those hazards, and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate those risks. This systematic evaluation helps ensure that all potential dangers are recognized and addressed, ensuring a safe working environment for employees.

Essentially, the risk assessment procedure guides the development of safety practices, training, and any protective equipment that may be necessary, thereby fostering a culture of safety within the organization. By regularly conducting risk assessments, employers can adapt to changes in the workplace or operations, making adjustments to their safety protocols as needed to maintain compliance and safe working conditions.

Other methods, like conducting a one-time assessment or restricting the focus to equipment maintenance, do not account for ongoing risks that workers may encounter, or fail to incorporate a comprehensive safety culture inclusive of all potential hazards. An informal and undocumented program would lack the necessary framework and accountability to ensure safety compliance and could jeopardize employee safety during electrical work.